My dad bought this trunk in New Hampshire about ten years ago. The man knew little about it when he sold it and I was hoping someone could tell me about its history and possibly when it was made. The bottom of the trunk has 34 No. 5 written on it and the lock is from Corbin Cabinet Lock Company, New Britain, Conn. and has T1 above the hinge.

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trunkman, 3 years agoThat is a very lovely trunk you have in excellent condition. Welcome to collectors weekly and thank you for your post. In regards to the questions you have concerning your trunk, I and hopefully others on this forum may contribute a little from what we know. Yours is a dome top trunk made around the turn of the century in the early 1900's. Before the 1900's makers used cast iron pieces on their corners and slat holders, and went to stamped metal because it was more cost effective. There were many trunk manufacturers making similar trunks at the time and they all bought parts from many of the same supply companies, like the Corbin lock company on your trunk. Unless there is a makers label you will find it quite difficult to know who made your trunk as it has standard features for its type. The numbers on the bottom could have been parts numbers or numbers from a scrap piece of wood they reused for the bottom section. I am unsure of the significance of the t1 above the hinge other than a parts identification number as you may have surmised. The dome came into fashion many years prior to your trunk and remained a favourite style for some time. I hope this information helps a little.
Regards.... trunkman

puglover01, 3 years agoI have this same trunk However My trunk has all the origional Chromeographs on the top and the toiletry tray I will post pictures this evening. I have been trying to do research and find out the age and history. I got it from a friend in CA last week and paid 300.00 for it. The exterior is in great shape it is missing one handle on side. Castor wheels on bottom still intact as well.

nmarie727, 2 years agoI have this exact trunk. Purchased from someone who had been using it as a toy chest for their son. It's in relatively poor condition and I only paid $20, however, I have been restoring it the past few days and it is turning out great. The wood has some water stains but seems pretty solid nonetheless and the tin is pretty rusty but I've been sanding it off. My chest has the exact stamp on the bottom and the exact picture inside of the woman. One of the previous owners peeled the picture and placed it on wallpaper, and another owner covered it all with wallpaper again (looks very 1980's). I've taken off the top layer of wallpaper and most of the second layer, but I'm worried about keeping this picture intact so I haven't gone any further. I was very excited to find your piece on here and plan to post some pictures of mine once it is starting to come together a little more.